- I carry a notepad to capture "jots". If I don't, all too often, I forget about the new ideas.
- I write a story in 'top-down' design, like writing computer programs.
Or said another way, begin with a primitive outline and begin fleshing it out.
New inspirations for me are wildly random, as in they can apply to any point in the story, beginning or end.
I just plug those jots into the correct outline location.
- Visualize, imagine the story. The outline will then come easily.
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However, there is another facet to the literary gem.
My literary 'engine' is most akin to a sailing ship.
When the winds of inspiration hit, I put up the sails and harness it to the fullest!
During those times, I get more quality writing done in days than I can otherwise chip away at for weeks or even months.
I don't know how long that those winds will blow, so I devote as much time as I can to getting the ideas written down.
If you're simming and your ideas are outpacing the mission, Don't throttle back! Get those ideas archived for another day!
When the winds aren't blowing? Yep, it's the daily discipline of putting the oars out and trudging along.
Progress is slow, even painful at times.
The periods of strong wind inspiration make the 'becalmed' seasons much easier to bear.
Simm Reality: Enthusiasm Breeds Creativity!
Brainstorming ideas with other players sparks the "Hmm... now what would happen in that event or with that character?"
If you're writing as a team, avail yourself of the inspiration that others can give you.
Even if nobody really has really given you any new ideas, your brainstorming ideas might give THEM inspirations.
Last resort. If you're at a wall and staring at the screen hour after hour, day after day... work on something different.
At least for me, my subconscious is far more creative than my conscious. Problem is, I can't control what or when ideas will happen.
For me, creativity is part excitement, part mischief, part wonder, and maybe possibly, a wee bit of healthy craziness.
PSF
